Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a very normal reaction which starts from infancy.It is the most natural reaction of infants.

There are many reasons why a child sucks his/her thumb.

.  Thumb sucking is the most natural and involuntary reaction of infancy.Babies put everything they hold into their mouth.

.  Children suck their thumbs as it comforts and calms them.

.Sometimes they suck their thumbs because they are tired and bored.

.  Another reason for thumb sucking could be when the child is sick or has been weaned too early.

.  Any challenging situation-  first day at school , new people anything that makes children insecure may be reason for thumb sucking.

When the child is unhappy, thoughtful (while watching TV or listening to a story.) or hungry he /she may thumb suck.

.  Often to sleep they suck their thumbs as they feel secure.

.  Many a time it just becomes a habit.

Remember thumb sucking is a natural habit which usually disappears before or during the nursery years.So mums don’t manic its a part of growing up.

Breaking the thumb sucking habit:-

The first thing I would like to say is don’t worry too much. Be there and care

Here are some dos and don’ts to help you:-

.   Punishing and nagging may not be a good idea as the child may not even realise he/she is doing it. Also if you pressure too much it may intensify the desire to thumb suck.

.   Thumb suckers should be kept busy with their hands.One should see the situation ,and work. Is he/she  scared – then comfort him. Nearing feed time he may suck his thumb so feed him , don’t delay.

.   Try and divert their attention with a new toy or story or change in activity.If you are busy get him/her to help you.

.    Notice when the child is most likely to suck  the thumb and then find a way to make him/her divert their attention. Make them feel secure and comfortable.Try to avoid those situations.

.   Do not tie their hands or thumb. There is no need to analyse every movement of your child . Sometimes just avoiding helps.

.   Very often it just becomes a habit so try to break it- be as creative as you can.

If however the child continues to suck the thumb in school, then consult your doctor.But – Never rush to the doctor.You are the parent you would now best. It would also be a good idea to share your experiences with your friends.- this helps you to realise thumb sucking is common and part of growing up.

I would like to share my experience-

My son used to suck his thumb and naturally I was concerned. One day  at a toy shop I found a cuddly bear  whose thumb we could put in the mouth. I bought it and every  time my son sucked his thumb I would make the bear do the same. This would make him laugh and he would pull out the bears thumb. Before I realised it had become a game . And yes off went the thumb sucking habit.

Its not easy I know -but as parents we just have to find a way to break the habit. Work patiently.

There is no magic formula for bringing up children the right way.We as parents have to guide them to become good human beings.

PEARLS OF WISDOM:-

Try, try, you will succeed.

Share, care and love.

Be patient.

.

Feelings and emotions are very important factors in the process of growing up.Emotions are a combination of physical and metal states.Environment plays a very important part that affects emotions.Children can be happy, sad , aggressive, exited, jealous ……..We as parents and teachers must not try to suppress the child’s feeling. We should try to understand why the child is behaving in a particular way.We should never think the child to be bad or think these are moral issues.We have to work patiently and with love.

Remember :-

.  Never ridicule a child.

.  Always maintain your calm.

.  Be patient and loving .The child should never feel he is not liked.

.  Never single out a child in a group.Always take him aside and talk so the      he is not embarassed.

.  There is no magic word or method you can use to bring up your child into a     perfect person.

.  The child should always feel safe and secure.

.   Last of all set rules which you must abide to so that the child understands he cannot take advantage.

TEMPER TANTRUMS:-

Children start throwing tantrum by 2/3 years. At this age the kids are kings of their universe.Their parents almost always like to fulfill their whims and fancies ,little realizing that they are spoiling them.As kids grow they realise that throwing tantrums becomes a way of asserting themselves when their desires are not met.

Avoiding tantrums entirely is not possible. Gentle yet firm handling can help .Simple rules can be set and they must be followed.Each child is different so one cannot generalise disciplinary rules. Many a time one of the best way is to ignore the tantrum and give no special attention -after a while the child may resume his play.Parenting is not easy.It is all about love and patience.

Here are some children in a nasty mood hoping their demands will be fulfilled.They try all kinds of ways.Have a look at the pictures bellow.

Children are very smart they know what to do so that you  fulfill their demands.

Here are a few things that can help you discipline your child and also keep tantrums under control.Remember like i said earlier there is one one thing you can do which works with kids- No fairy wand works every time.There is no magic to discipline.-

–  Do not give into all demands espeically the unrealistic ones.Learn to draw     a line.  Only you will know when-  its your child.

–  Be calm and confident while handling the child during a tantrum.Never          feel guilty, be  firm yet gentle.

–  Set rules and be consistent.Kids know your weakness.Aggressive           behaviour should be best avoided with silence and disapproval.Let the child     calm down before you start a dialogue.

–  Be a good role model. Do  not scream and throw tantrums in front of your   child however angry you are.

–  Give positive attention and reinforce positive behaviour.

Many times tantrums set in due to frustration or lack of attention.Remember a tantrum does not reflect on your upbringing.

Do not try to analyse every action of your child. You are his teacher -he has to learn right and wrong and learn to make his decisions as he grows.

In the next few posts I shall write about some behaviour patterns which every parent gets concerned about.

Relax you are doing a good job bringing up your child. Always have faith in yourself.

THUMB SUCKING:-